Paolo Di Canio was born on 9 July 1968 in Rome, Italy, into a working-class Italian family. He grew up with two siblings in the Quarticciolo neighborhood, a tough district of Rome. Despite his family supporting AS Roma, Di Canio developed a strong affinity for their city rivals, SS Lazio, from a young age. Although he struggled with weight during childhood and had a fondness for cola, Di Canio’s passion for football was undeterred. His skill and determination on the pitch soon attracted the attention of local scouts and coaches.
Di Canio joined SS Lazio in 1985, beginning his professional football career. He was instrumental in helping Lazio secure promotion from Serie B to Serie A, marking a significant turning point for the club. In 1988, he made his Serie A debut and quickly became a regular player, appearing in over 30 matches that season. One of his most memorable moments came during the Rome Derby when he scored the decisive goal against AS Roma, further cementing his status as a Lazio fan favorite and earning recognition as a club hero.
In 1990, Di Canio transferred to Juventus, one of Italy’s most prestigious football clubs. During his stint with “La Vecchia Signora” (The Old Lady), he was part of the squad that won the UEFA Cup in 1993. However, inconsistent playing time and tensions with the coaching staff led to frustration. Despite his professionalism on the pitch, a deteriorating relationship with management eventually resulted in his departure from the club.
After his time at Juventus, Di Canio joined Napoli, where he delivered several notable performances. His journey continued with a move to AC Milan, where he won the Serie A title during the 1995–96 season. However, as at Juventus, playing time was limited and conflicts with some teammates influenced his decision to leave the club in search of new opportunities.
| Birth Date: | 9 Jul, 1968 |
| Age: | 51 yrs |
| Citizenship: | Italy |
| Birth Place: | Rome |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Italian footballer |
| Net Worth 2021: | 1.5 million |